The Perils Of... Ethnic Politics

It made for great TV. There was Maxine Waters, an outspoken member of the congressional Black Caucus, live on CNN defending the Clinton Administration's efforts to return Elian Gonzalez to his father in Cuba. Suddenly, on air, Waters learned that Al Gore had come out in support of the Cuban exiles who are trying to keep Elian in Miami. Waters exploded, saying she would "rethink" her endorsement of the Vice President. The next morning, Gore phoned Waters to make peace. It seemed to help. "He apologized profusely," she recalled. "We disagree, but I think he's sincere."